History

In T.A.2029, Mardil succeeded his father Vorondil as the second hereditary Steward of Gondor (a tradition begun with his grandfather Pelendur).[3]

When Eärnil II died in T.A.2043 and Eärnur ascended to the throne, the King of Minas Morgul (the Witch-king of Angmar) challenged him to single combat. Mardil was able to restrain Eärnur' wrath at that time, but in T.A.2050 the King of Morgul renewed his challenge, adding taunts that Eärnur could not ignore. Mardil was powerless to prevent Eärnur from riding to Minas Morgul; he and his small escort were never heard from again. Since the king's death had gone unwitnessed, Mardil ruled Gondor in his name for many years.

Eärnur had died unmarried with no heirs. Royal descendants had become few and no claimant for the throne could be found of pure Númenórean blood, or whose claim all would accept. Thus, by default, Mardil began the line of Ruling Stewards of Gondor.[4]

Because the fate of the King was unknown, Mardil made an oath to rule until "the King returns". This oath would be sworn by all of the Ruling Stewards.

Mardil ruled Gondor with a steady hand and earned the epithet Voronwë, which means "the Steadfast" in Quenya.

Etymology

Mardil means "(One) devoted to the House (of the Kings)", from már and -ndil, literally "Friend of the (Royal) House".